Herbicide FAQs and No spray Agreement

Herbicide & Brush Control:

SEC performs herbicide applications to approximately 1,800 miles per year. Areas are treated the first growing season after the side trim cycle, then re-treated every three to four years to address any unwanted vegetation that has begun to grow back within the right-of-way. Selective herbicides target saplings, vines, and other woody plants that can grow tall enough to interfere with the power lines or obstruct access to the right-of-way. Only areas with undesirable vegetation that can potentially interfere with electric service are treated using low-volume backpack sprayers.

Herbicide Use FAQ

Are the herbicides SEC uses safe for wildlife and pets? Absolutely. All the herbicides we use on our system have undergone rigorous testing and have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ensuring their safety for all living beings.

Are herbicides safe to have near water? Yes. SEC requires contractors to use aquatic-friendly herbicides when spraying within 50 feet of a waterway.
Will SEC spray my yard? No, only woody stemmed vegetation that has the potential to grow into the line will be sprayed in unmaintained rights-of-way.
Does SEC use roundup/glyphosate? No, we do not. We only use non-glyphosate mixes, ensuring that our herbicide applications are free from potentially harmful chemicals.
How is herbicide applied? Low-Volume Backpack Spray
Who performs herbicide application for SEC? SEC contracts with Alliance Forestry and Superior Forestry for herbicide applications.
What if I don’t want my property sprayed? If you wish to opt out of SEC’s herbicide applications, a No Spray Agreement form must be signed and adhered to. This form can be accessed below:

This agreement made and entered into this day, by and between Cooperative, (hereinafter called "SEC"), and the property owner, hereinafter called "Owner."

Property Owner(Required)

First Name Last Name

Date(Required)

WHEREAS, SEC has the duty and responsibility for controlling brush within and along its ‘rights-of-way to ensure safe, reliable electricity, and access for members and employees. WHEREAS the Owner requests SEC waive brush control on the Owner's property; NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:

Owner shall control all woody stem vegetation within said right-of-way.
Owner will assist SEC employees in identifying areas not to be sprayed.
In consideration of Owner's desire and willingness to maintain the applicable rights-of-way, SEC will delay brush control in those locations properly designated as long as the areas remain under control (less than 2’of woody stem growth). The Owner, at a minimum, must maintain rights-of-way at least once per growing season.
Owner agrees and understands that failure to maintain the woody stem vegetation in said rights-of-way shall cause this agreement to be null and void, at which time SEC will take whatever steps necessary to have the right-of-way corrected, including mowing and herbicide application.
Owner further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless SEC for any and all injury to persons or property that may occur because of Owner's maintenance efforts on right of way.
Owner agrees that SEC will supply No Spray signs for each exempted area, and Owner acknowledges that home-made No Spray signs will not be considered valid. If “No Spray” signs are taken down or disappear, it is Owner’s responsibility to call and notify SEC. Failure to communicate signs that have been removed could lead to an area being sprayed at no fault of SEC.

No spray area description, please be as descriptive as possible using pole numbers, road names, and directions.

Organic Farm ID (if applicable):

Name(Required)

First Last

Phone Number(Required)

Email(Required)

Mailing Address

Street Address City State ZIP Code

No Spray Property Address

Street Address City State ZIP Code

Owner hereby agrees to be bound by the preceding agreement to maintain the area designated in this agreement:

Landowner Signature(Required)

First Name Last Name

Date(Required)